Socket assembly for electric meter box

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system and a meter bypass system. Each power line connector comprises a jaw, a jaw support and first and second sockets. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount having spaced apart flanges and a contact arm. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formed as a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and contact arm for receiving a slide connector of a bypass system. The slide connector is slidable between a meter operating position and a meter bypass position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electrical components used in ameter box containing an electrical meter, and more particularly to asocket assembly and related features used in a such an assembly.

In conventional meter boxes, an electric meter is plugged into a socketassembly mounted in the box. In a single-phase, 3-wire power system, forexample, the socket assembly typically includes two power lineconnectors for connecting the power supply lines to the socket assembly,two power line connectors for connecting the power load lines to thesocket assembly, and a meter bypass system. During normal operation,electrical current flows from the power supply lines, through the meter,to the power load lines. During meter repair or replacement, the bypasssystem is used to route the current along a path bypassing the meter sothat the meter can be removed for repair or replacement withoutinterrupting power to the installation (e.g., residence) being serviced.

In one type of conventional bypass system a slide connector is mountedfor sliding movement along a linear line of action between ameter-bypass position in which the slide connector is in electricalcontact with a first power line connector connected to the power supplyline and a second power line connector connected to the power load line,and a non-bypass position in which the slide connector is out ofelectrical contact with one of the two power line connectors. Each powerline connector comprises a metal jaw support, a jaw pivotally mounted onthe jaw support, and a spring to bias rotation of the jaw. Notably, thejaw support is constructed of two separate metal pieces joined togetherat joints by being swaged, riveted or brazed together in an assemblyprocess. The upper ends of the jaw supports and the opposing upper endsof the jaws define a pair of sockets for receiving the plugs of anelectric meter. When the bypass system is its non-bypass (meterconducting) mode, current flows from the power supply line to the powerload line along a path which includes the meter and the two-piece metaljaw supports of the power line connectors. Accordingly, current mustflow through the joints in the metal jaw supports.

Running current through the joints in the jaw supports has severaldisadvantages. First, the conductivity through the joints is generallyless than what the conductivity would be through a one-piece jawsupport. Second, the joints may not be properly formed due to errors inthe assembly process, thereby further reducing the conductivity of thejaw support. The reduced conductivity can cause heat buildup which canlead to eventual failure of the product.

Moreover, the joints in the jaw supports adversely affect the structuralstrength of the socket assembly. The socket assembly has to be strongenough to withstand the forces involved in moving a slide connectorbetween its non-bypass position and its bypass position. Becauseactuation of the slide connector involves forcibly wedging cam-shapedends of the slide connector into contact with respective jaw supports,thereby causing the jaws of the supports to rotate against the resilientbias of the springs, the socket assembly has to be able to withstandconsiderable lateral forces. The reduced structural strength resultingfrom multiple joints, especially in combination with potential weakeningof the material strength caused by excessive heat buildup, cancontribute to premature failure of the system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,942 issued Jul. 7, 1998 to Jeffcoat discloses a jawsupport made out of one piece of metal. However, the jaw support isdesigned to operate in a different type of bypass system, i.e., onewhere a lever arm rotates a knife blade connector into contact with thejaw supports. The rotating connector design shown in the Jeffcoat systemcannot be used in a bypass system which uses a linear-slide connectorbecause of the different configurations involved. Further, the connectorsubassemblies in the Jeffcoat System are designed to have structuralstrength in a direction to accommodate a rotating connector, not alinear-slide connector.

Also, in prior socket assemblies using conventional power lineconnectors, substantially all electrical current passes through the jawsupports when the meter is plugged into the socket assembly and thebypass system is in its non-bypass mode. This can result in overheatingof the jaw supports and possible premature failure.

There is a need, therefore, for an improved socket assembly which avoidsone or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, this invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box.The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors forconnection to electric power lines of an electric power line system anda meter bypass system. The electric power line system includes at leasta first power supply line and at least a first power load line. Thepower line connectors are adapted to mate with mating connectors of anelectric meter to establish a first current path from the first powersupply line to the first power load line through the electric meter. Themeter bypass system establishes a second current path from the firstpower supply line to the first power load line bypassing the electricmeter to permit removal of the meter without interruption of electricservice. The bypass system comprises at least one slide connectorcomprising a metal conductor mounted for back and forth sliding movementof the conductor along a line of action extending between first andsecond power line connectors. Each of the first and second power lineconnectors comprise a jaw, a jaw support, a first socket and a secondsocket. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount extending up fromthe base and a contact arm extending up from the base. The jaw mount hasopposing spaced apart flanges with lower ends connected to the base. Theopposing flanges mount the jaw therebetween for pivotal movement betweenopen and closed positions. A web spans and integrally connects at leasta portion of the first and second flanges and integrally connects thejaw mount to the base. The contact arm has an inner contact surfacegenerally opposing the web of the jaw mount. The base, jaw mount andcontact arm are formed as a one-piece structure to provide a joint-freepath for flow of electric current. The first socket is formed betweenthe jaw and the jaw mount for receiving a respective electricalconnector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between thejaw and the contact arm for electrical connection with the conductor onthe slide connector. The slide connector is slidable between a meteroperating position and a meter bypassing position. When the slideconnector is in the meter operating position, the metal conductor is outof electrical contact with at least one of the second sockets of thefirst and second power line connectors whereby current is adapted toflow along the first current path through the electric meter when theelectrical connectors of the electric meter are in the first sockets ofthe first and second power line connectors. When the slide connector isin the meter bypassing position, the metal conductor of the slideconnector is in electrical contact with the second sockets of both ofthe first and second power line connectors whereby current is adapted toflow along a second current path from the power supply line to the powerload line when the electrical connectors of the electric meter areremoved from the first sockets of the first and second power lineconnectors.

In another aspect, this invention relates to a power line connector foruse in a socket assembly in a meter box. The power line connectorcomprises a jaw, a jaw support comprising a base and a jaw mount, afirst socket and a second socket. The jaw mount extends up from the baseand has opposing spaced apart flanges with lower ends connected to thebase. The opposing flanges mount the jaw therebetween for pivotalmovement between open and closed positions. A web spans and integrallyconnects at least a portion of the first and second flanges andintegrally connects the jaw mount to the base. A contact arm extendsupward from the base and has an inner contact surface generally opposingthe web of the jaw mount. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formedas a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow ofelectrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and thejaw mount for receiving a mating electrical connector of an electricmeter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and the contact armfor receiving a slide connector of a bypass system mounted in the meterbox for back and forth sliding movement along a line of action generallyparallel to the base of the jaw support.

Other features of the present invention will be in part apparent and inpart pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective of a meter box having a meter socketassembly of this invention installed therein, an electric meter beingshown exploded away and removed from the socket assembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1 with parts of the socketassembly removed to show details of a bypass system, the bypass systembeing illustrated in its bypass mode;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the bypass system innon-bypass mode;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the socket assembly showing the electricmeter plugged into the assembly;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section in the plane 5—5 of FIG. 4showing details of a power line connector of the socket assembly;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but with the meter removed from thesocket assembly;

FIG. 7 is a top plan of a jaw support of the power line connector ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the jaw support of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the jaw support of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation of the jaw support of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan of the jaw support of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a flat pattern suitable for use in the fabrication of a jawsupport showing the bend lines involved in forming a jaw support of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention from a single piece ofsheet metal;

FIG. 13 is front perspective of an alternative one-piece jaw support ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective of the jaw support of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a vertical section along line 15—15 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a horizontal section along line 16—16 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective of a socket assembly similar to the assembly ofFIG. 2 but using prior art power line connectors (only one of which isshown); and

FIG. 18 is a top plan of the prior art power line connector shown inFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan of the prior art power line connector shown inFIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a power line connector of a differentembodiment incorporating one version of a current diverter of thisinvention;

FIG. 21 is a vertical section of the assembled power line connector ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view showing the head of a T-bolt positioned betweenflanges of a jaw mount of the power line connector of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a horizontal section showing a jaw pivotally mounted on thejaw mount of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter of thisinvention; and

FIG. 25 is a side elevation of the current diverter of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 27 is a vertical section of the power line connector of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 29 is a vertical section of the power line connector of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 31 is a vertical section of the power line connector of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 33 is a vertical section of the power line connector of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 35 is a horizontal section along line 35—35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a vertical section of the power line connector of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter and a differentmeans of fastening the current diverter to a contact arm;

FIG. 38 is a horizontal section along line 38—38 of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter; and

FIG. 40 is a perspective of a power line connector of another embodimentincorporating a different version of a current diverter of thisinvention.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventionalenclosure 1, sometimes referred to as a meter box, for housing anelectric meter M (shown in phantom), the cover of the meter box beingremoved to show components within the box. A meter socket assembly,generally designated 3, is mounted in the meter box 1 and comprises asupport 7 (FIG. 2) which is adapted to be fastened to the back wall 9 ofthe box. The socket assembly also includes a plurality of power lineconnectors, each generally designated 11, secured to the support 7 forconnection to the electric power lines (conductors) of a power linesystem. The installation shown in FIG. 1 is a 320 amp, single-phase,3-wire power system found in many light commercial applications. Thepower system includes two power supply lines PS1, PS2 connected to twocorresponding power line connectors 11 for transmitting power from asuitable power supply, two power load lines PL1, PL2 connected to twocorresponding power line connectors 11 for transmitting power to thefacility being served, and two neutral lines N1, N2 connected toconventional neutral line connectors 13 (only one of which is shown inFIG. 1). As will be described, the power line connectors 11 areconfigured to mate with mating connectors 15 (FIG. 5) of the electricmeter M to establish a first current path from each power supply line toa respective power load line through the electric meter. The number ofpower line connectors 11 used in the socket assembly 3 will varydepending on the power system. For example, in a 320 amp, 3-phase,4-wire system, the socket assembly would include 6 power line connectors11.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the socket assembly 3 includes a meterbypass system for establishing a second separate current path from eachpower supply line PS1, PS2 to a respective power load line PL1, PL2bypassing the electric meter M to permit removal of the meter withoutinterruption of electric service. The bypass system comprises a slideconnector, generally designated 21, for each power supply line and itsrespective load line, only one of the slide connectors being shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. Each slide connector 21 is mounted on the support 7between two respective power line connectors 11 for back and forthlinear sliding movement between a bypass position (FIG. 2) and anon-bypass position (FIG. 3). The linear sliding movement is in adirection generally parallel to the support 7 and the back wall 9 of themeter box 1 along a line of action indicated at 23. As will bedescribed, each power line connector 11 is configured for selectivemating electrical contact with a respective end of the slide connector21. Movement of the slide connectors 21 between their bypass andnon-bypass positions is effected by means of a pivot lever 25 (FIG. 1)and a conventional cam mechanism (not shown) connecting the lever andthe slide connectors 21 for translating the pivotal movement of thelever to a linear action for moving the slide connectors between theirrespective bypass and non-bypass positions.

The slide connectors 21 are preferably of standard construction and willnot be described in detail, other than to say that, in the embodimentshown, each comprises an elongate base 27 of dielectric material and ashorter generally flat metal conduction strip 29 affixed to the base.The metal conduction strip has cams 31 at its ends engagable with thepower line connectors in a manner to be described in detail later.

The power line connectors 11 are substantially identical in thepreferred embodiment so a description of one connector will suffice.Referring to FIG. 6, the connector 11 comprises a metal jaw supportgenerally designated 33 which supports a jaw 35 for pivotal movementbetween open and closed positions. The jaw support 33 is formed as aone-piece metal structure comprising a base 37, a jaw mount generallyindicated at 39 extending up from the base, and a contact arm 41 on thebase opposing the jaw mount which provides a joint-free path for theflow of electrical current, as will be described hereinafter. Inaccordance with one embodiment of this invention (FIGS. 5-10), the jawsupport 33 is formed by appropriately bending a single piece of sheetmetal (e.g., 0.125 in. thick steel or copper).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the base 37 comprises a generallysquare planar first end region 79 with a hole 55 through the center tomount the jaw support 33 on the meter base 7 by conventional means(e.g., fastener 57 in FIG. 6). The base has a second generallyrectangular planar end region 81 with an opening 81A for receiving afastener 81B (FIGS. 2 and 4) to secure a conventional power line fitting81C (FIG. 1) to the base. A second opening 82A is also provided forreceiving a pin 82B (FIGS. 2 and 4) used to secure a plate component(not shown) to the base in an installation of 320 amps or more. A middleregion 83 of the base connects the first and second end regions 79, 81.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the end and middle regions 79, 81, 83of the base are generally co-planar, and the middle region 83 isnarrower than the first and second end regions 79, 81. However, otherconfigurations are possible. For example, the end region 81 may becurved to have a part-cylindric shape.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-11, the first end region 79 of the base has afirst side 91 to which the jaw mount 39 is integrally attached and asecond side 93 opposite the first side 91 to which the contact arm 41 isintegrally attached. The contact arm 41 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.7-11 extends upward from the second side 93 of the base and has an innergenerally planar contact surface 67 facing the jaw mount 39 andsubstantially parallel to the line of action 25 of the slide connector.The contact arm 41 is also spaced an appropriate distance away from theline of action 25 of the slide connector 21 and extends upwardly asufficient height to situate the contact surface 67 of the contact arm41 adjacent to the line of action.

In one embodiment, the jaw mount 39 extends up from side 91 of the firstend region 79 of the base and is configured as a three-sided channelwith the open side of the channel facing the contact arm 41 on the base.The jaw mount 39 has first and second opposing flanges 99 forming thesides of the channel and a web 103 which forms the back of the channel.The lower ends of the flanges 99 are formed with tabs 125 which arereceived in rectangular openings 127 in the base 37 and secured in placeby means of stake connections, for example. The web 103 of the jaw mount41 spans and integrally connects at least portions of the opposingflanges 99. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the web 103integrally connects the flanges 99 from the top of the jaw mount 39 downabout two thirds of the distance to the base 37. The lower end of theweb 103 is integrally connected to side 91 of the base 37.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the web 103 of the jaw mount 39 isformed with a generally C-shaped lower region 131 formed by a series ofbends including a first upward bend 132 at side 91 of the base 37, asecond inward bend 133 spaced a distance 134 up from the base, and athird upward bend 135 spaced a distance 136 inward from the second bend133. Likewise, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the lower portions ofthe flanges 99 are spaced apart from the web 103 by a distance 137.

In a stamped-metal construction, the “C” shape of the lower region 131of the web 103 provides sufficient clearance to stamp tabs 125 out ofthe same piece of sheet metal as the rest of the jaw support 33. Forexample, a piece of sheet metal cut to the shape of the pattern in FIG.12, may be bent along the bend lines 75 into a jaw support 33 having theC-shaped lower region 131 and tabs 125. Because the additional bends132, 133, 135 of the C-shaped lower region 131 consume additionalmaterial, the portion of the pattern corresponding to the web 103 islonger than it would otherwise be. Thus, the portion of the patterncorresponding to the tabs 125 does not overlap other parts of thepattern (e.g., the parts corresponding to the base 37) as it wouldwithout the C-shaped lower region 131. Also, by separating the lowerportions of the flanges 99 from the C-shaped region 131, the lower endsof the flanges, which are shorter in length than the web 103, can stillreach the base 37, not having to travel the more circuitous path of theC-shaped region 131. Furthermore, by spacing the lower ends of theflanges 99 laterally outward away from the web 103, the jaw support 33can be constructed with a radius of curvature between the lower end ofthe flanges 99 and the web 103.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the jaw 35 is formed asa rocker arm (also designated 35) mounted for pivotal movement adjacentits upper end about an axis spaced from and generally parallel to thebase 37 between open and closed positions. Other jaw configurations arepossible. The rocker arm 35 is mounted by a pin 117 running through thearm 35 and aligned holes 113 (FIG. 9) in the flanges 99 of the jaw mount39. The pin 117 is spaced below the upper end of the rocker arm 35 andabove the lower end of the arm. The lower end of the rocker arm 35extends downward from the pivotal mount for a distance and at an angleof declination suitable to situate the lower end of the rocker armadjacent to the line of action 25 of the slide connector 21 and to thecontact surface 67 of the contact arm 41. A spring 141 positionedbetween the web 103 of the jaw mount 39 and the lower end of the rockerarm 35 urges the arm toward its closed position in which the lower endof the arm (jaw) is closer to the contact arm 41 and the upper end ofthe arm (jaw) is closer to the web 103. The lower C-shaped region 131 ofthe web 103 is formed with a dome-shaped protrusion 143 which extendsinto the spring 141 to maintain the spring in position.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the area between the upper end of therocker arm 35 and the upper end of the web 103 of the jaw mount 39defines a first electrical socket 145 for removably receiving the maleelectrical connector 15 on the meter M. In one embodiment (FIG. 5), asmall gap of about 0.090 in. is provided in this socket area forreceiving a meter spade connector 15 having a thickness of about 0.90in. Similarly, the area between the lower end of the rocker arm (jaw) 35and the inner contact surface 67 of the contact arm 41 defines a secondelectrical socket 147 for removably receiving a respective cam 31 on themetal conduction strip 29 of the slide connector 21.

The bypass system described above is normally in its non-bypass mode,which may also be referred to as the meter operating mode. In this mode(FIG. 3), the connectors 15 on the meter M are plugged into the firstsockets 145 of the power line connectors 11 and one or both cams 31 oneach metal conduction strip 29 of the slide connector 21 are out ofelectrical contact with one or both sockets 145 of respective power lineconnectors 11. As a result, in the non-bypass mode current flows fromeach power supply line PS1, PS2 to a respective power load lines PL1,PL2 via a first path which runs through the base 37 and jaw mount 39 ofa respective power supply line connector 11, through the meter 21, andthen through the jaw mount 39 and base 37 of a respective power loadline connector 11. Because of the one-piece construction of the jawsupport 33, electric current flows along a joint-free path through thejaw support.

When each slide connector 21 is moved from its non-bypass (meteroperating) position shown in FIG. 3 to the bypass position shown in FIG.2, the cams 31 on the ends of the metal conduction strip 29 of the slideconnector 21 are forcibly wedged into the second sockets 147 of therespective power line connectors 11. As the cams 31 move into the secondsockets 147, they force the jaws (e.g., rocker arms 35) to pivot againstthe bias of the springs 141, thereby opening the second sockets so thatthe cams on the metal conduction strip can move into electrical contactwith the inner surfaces 67 of the contact arms 41 of the connectors 11.Thus, during operation in bypass mode, the bypass system permits currentto flow from a power supply line PS1, PS2 to a respective power loadline PL1, PL2 via a second path which bypasses the meter, i.e., throughthe base 37 and contact arm 41 of one power supply line connector 11,through the slide connector 21, and then through the contact arm 39 andbase 37 of a respective power load line connector. As a result, themeter can be unplugged from the socket assembly 3 without interruptionof power to the facility being serviced.

FIGS. 12-15 show a jaw support of alternative construction, designatedgenerally by the reference number 151. This support 151 is similar tothe sheet-metal jaw support 33 previously described, except that it isformed as a one-piece cast metal structure. The metal used is a suitableconductor of electrical current, such as a copper alloy. The jaw supportof this embodiment also comprises a base 153 and a channel-shaped jawmount 155 extending up from one side of the base and having opposingflanges 157 and a web 159. In one embodiment, the cast jaw support 151includes fillets R (one of which is shown in FIG. 13) at the transitionsfrom the web 159 to the flanges 157. The fillets R are tapered as shownin FIG. 13 from a relatively smaller size, e.g., radius of curvature,away from the base 153 (for providing ample clearance for pivotalmovement of the jaw at the top of the jaw support 151) to a relativelylarger size adjacent the base 153 (for added structural strength tobetter withstand lateral forces from actuation of the slide connector21). Like jaw support 33, a contact arm 161 extends up from the oppositeside of the base in a position to face the lower end of a jaw (notshown) pivoted on the jaw mount. Jaw support 151 functions in the samemanner as jaw mount 35, and it too provides a joint-free path for theflow of electrical current.

The one-piece jaw supports described above at 35 and 151 may have otherconfigurations without departing from the scope of this invention.

To illustrate the difference between the socket assembly 3 describedabove and a conventional system, FIGS. 17-19 show a particular type ofsocket assembly having a prior art bypass system 201. As shown in FIG.17, the bypass system 201 comprises a slide connector 205 with a metalconduction strip 227 slidably mounted between a first power lineconnector (not shown) connected to an electric power supply line and asecond power line connector 209 connected to an electric power loadline. Each power line connector comprises a metal jaw support 235, a jaw243 pivotally mounted on the jaw support, and a spring (not shown).Notably, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the jaw support 235 is constructedof a first piece of metal which forms the jaw mount 297 and a secondmetal piece which forms the base 299 and contact arm 239. The jaw mount297 and base 299 are joined together at joints 211 by being swaged,riveted or brazed together in an assembly process. During normaloperation in the non-bypass mode, electrical current is required to flowthrough the joints 211, thereby creating the problems previouslydiscussed. Likewise, the joints 211 weaken the structure because theyare the primary source of structural strength between the jaw mount 297and the jaw base 299.

FIGS. 20-23 show another embodiment of a power line connector, generallyindicated at 301, equipped with a current diverter, generally designated303, for reducing heat build-up in the connector. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 20-23, the power line connector 301 is substantiallyidentical to the power line connector 11 previously described, socorresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers forconvenience. However, it will be understood that the current diverter303 could be used with power line connectors of different constructions.

In general, the current diverter 303 functions to divert some electriccurrent from the first (meter) socket 145 of the power line connector301 along a current path separate from the jaw mount 39, thus reducingthe amount of current flowing through the jaw mount and the heat-buildup in the jaw mount, In one embodiment (FIG. 20), the current diverter303 is configured for diverting electric current from the socket 145 tothe base 37 of the jaw support 33 and comprises a conductor in the formof a metal strip, also generally designated 303, having an upper end 307in electrical contact with the socket and a lower end 309 in electricalcontact with the base 37. In FIGS. 20 and 21, the upper end 307 of themetal strip 303 is configured (e.g., hook-shaped) to hook over an upperend 311 of the jaw 313 and extend down into the socket 145 to a positionwhere an inner surface 315 of the strip contacts the inner surface 317of the jaw and an outer surface 321 of the strip faces toward the web103 of the jaw mount 39. When the jaw 313 is in its closed position, themetal strip 303 is preferably but not necessarily spaced from the web103 to create a gap for insertion of a respective meter connector 15.For example, the gap may be about a 0.090 in. gap for receiving a meterspade connector having a thickness of about 0.90 in.

In this embodiment, the upper end 311 of the jaw 313 is of reduced sizecompared to the upper end of the jaw 35 of the first embodiment tomaintain the same gap size.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the metal strip 303 has acurved upper section 325 which extends down from the hook-shaped upperend 307 of the strip on the outside face 326 of the jaw 313, asubstantially straight vertical section 327 extending down from thecurved section along the contact arm 41, and a lower horizontal section309 which underlies the base 37. The particular shape of the metal strip303 between its upper and lower ends 307,309 is not critical, theparticular curve shown in FIG. 20 being provided to obtain the clearancenecessary for a protective shield (not shown) which fits over the socketassembly 3.

The current diverter 303 is secured to the jaw support 33 by a fastener335 which, in one embodiment, extends through aligned holes 55,333 inthe base 37 of the jaw support 33 and lower horizontal section 309 ofthe metal strip 305. As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the fastener 335 is a boltadvantageously having a rectangular head 337 which fits between the sideflanges 99 of the jaw mount 39. The size of the head 337 is such that itengages the side flanges 99 to prevent turning of the bolt 335 when anut (not shown) is threaded on the bolt. This feature facilitates theassembly process during which access to the head 337 of the bolt 335 maybe restricted by the overlying spring 141 and rocker arm 35. In oneassembly process, for example, the bolt 335 is first inserted throughthe hole 55 in the base 37 of the jaw support 33, following which thespring 141 is placed on the spring seat 143 of the jaw mount 39. Thelower end of the jaw 313 is then placed between the contact arm 41 andthe spring 141. After the upper end 307 of the current diverter 303 ispositioned on the upper end 311 of the jaw, the jaw is mounted on thejaw mount 39 using a suitable pivot shaft 117 (e.g., a rivet). A nut isthen threaded up on the bolt 335 and tightened. Other fasteners or meansof securing the current diverter 303 to the jaw support 33 can be usedwithout departing from the scope of this invention. The fastener couldbe, for example, a carriage bolt having a round head and rectangularshoulder. Further, the metal strip 303 could be secured to the jawsupport 33 at other locations.

In use, the current diverter 303 reduces the amount of current flowingthrough the jaw mount 39, thereby reducing heat build-up in the jawmount. The amount of current diverted through the strip 303 can varyover a wide range. Further, the amount of current diverted can be variedas needed or desired by changing the dimensions and/or composition ofthe strip 303. In one application, the current diverter is configured todivert an amount of current sufficient to prevent the temperature at anylocation on the jaw 35 and jaw mount 39 from exceeding a predeterminedtemperature above ambient temperature. (As used herein, “ambienttemperature” means 25° C.±5° C.) For example, in one embodiment, themetal strip 303 is a strip of suitable copper (e.g., 110 copper ½ hardM916) with a tin plate finish (F33) having a width of about 0.75 in. anda thickness of 0.06 in., and it diverts an amount of current sufficientto prevent the temperature at any location on the jaw 35 and jaw mount39 from exceeding 65° C. above ambient temperature. Current divertershaving other dimensions, shapes and constructions can be used, dependingon need or desire.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show another embodiment of a current diverter, generallydesignated 345. Current diverter 345 is essentially identical to thecurrent diverter 303 of the previous embodiment except that the metalstrip has a curved section 349 of different shape.

FIGS. 26-40 show a variety of power line connectors equipped withcurrent diverters of different configurations FIGS. 26 and 27 show acurrent diverter, generally designated 355, comprising a metal strip 357having a hook-shaped upper end 359, a curved upper section 361 and astraight lower section 363 which is fastened to the contact arm 365 ofthe jaw support by means of a threaded fastener 367 (e.g., screw). Inthis embodiment, the current diverter 355 has no lower horizontalsection underlying the base of the jaw support.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show a current diverter, generally designated 375,similar to current diverter 355 except that the lower section 377 issomewhat shorter and secured to the contact arm 379 by means of anon-threaded fastener 381, e.g., a rivet.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a current diverter, generally designated 385,similar to current diverter similar to the three preceding embodimentsexcept that the diverter has a lower section 387 which is secured to thecontact arm 389 by means of a retaining member in the form of a button391, for example, extending from the outer surface of the contact arm,and preferably integrally formed with the contact arm, extending througha hole 393 in the lower section 387 of the metal strip. The button 391has an outer free end 395 which is crimped or otherwise deformed tofasten the current diverter 385 to the contact arm 389.

FIGS. 32 and 33 show a current diverter, generally designated 401,having a lower vertical section 403 formed with a slot 407 extending upfrom the lower edge 408 of the section. The current diverter 401 isfastened to the contact arm 409 by means of a threaded fastener 411extending through the slot 407 into a hole 413 in the contact arm 409.This arrangement allows the current diverter 401 to be installed orremoved without removing the fastener 411, and also permits somepositional adjustment of the current diverted in the direction of theslot 407.

In other embodiments, other means besides screws, pins, rivets and thelike are used to fasten the current diverter to the contact arm. In oneversion, illustrated in FIGS. 34-36, the current diverter (generallydesignated 501) comprises a metal strip 505 having flanges 507 alongopposite sides generally adjacent the lower end of the strip. Theflanges 507 are bent to form a channel for receiving the contact arm 511of the connector, the fit being sufficiently snug to provide a goodelectrical connection. The flanges 507 are desirably formed integrallywith the metal strip 505. Alternatively, a clip or socket formationcould be attached to the current diverter 501 for attachment of thediverter to the contact arm 511.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show an embodiment where the current diverter, generallydesignated 601, comprises a metal strip 603 having a lower end 605 whichfits in a slot 607 between opposing portions 611A, 611B of the contactarm 611. The slot 607 and strip 603 are configured so that the fit ofthe strip in the slot provides a good electrical connection.

FIG. 39 shows a current diverter, generally designated 701, comprising ametal strip 703 which is formed integrally with the contact arm 705.

FIG. 40 illustrates yet another embodiment of a current diverter of thisinvention, generally designated 801. The diverter 801 comprises aconductive cable 805 having one end secured by a suitable fastener 807(e.g., a threaded screw) or other means to the contact arm 809 and itsopposite end secured by a suitable fastener 811 (e.g., a threaded screw)or other means to the jaw 813 of the jaw support.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a” , “an” , “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising” , “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

1. A socket assembly for a meter box, said socket assembly comprising: aplurality of power line connectors for connection to electric powerlines of an electric power line system, said electric power line systemincluding at least a first power supply line and at least a first powerload line; said power line connectors being adapted to mate with matingconnectors of an electric meter to establish a first current path fromthe first power supply line to the first power load line through theelectric meter; and a meter bypass system for establishing a secondcurrent path from the first power supply line to the first power loadline bypassing the electric meter to permit removal of the meter withoutinterruption of electric service, said bypass system comprising at leastone slide connector comprising a metal conductor mounted for back andforth sliding movement of the conductor along a generally straight lineof action extending between first and second power line connectors ofsaid plurality of power line connectors; each of said first and secondpower line connectors comprising: a jaw; a jaw support comprising abase, a jaw mount extending up from the base having opposing spacedapart flanges with lower ends connected to the base, said opposingflanges mounting said jaw therebetween for pivotal movement between openand closed positions, a web spanning and integrally connecting at leasta portion of said first and second flanges and integrally connecting thejaw mount to the base, and a contact arm extending up from the basehaving an inner contact surface generally opposing the web of the jawmount; said base, jaw mount and contact arm being formed as a one-piecestructure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current; afirst socket formed between said jaw and said jaw mount for receiving arespective electrical connector of said electric meter; and a secondsocket formed between said jaw and said contact arm for electricalconnection with said conductor on the slide connector; said slideconnector being slidable between a meter operating position in whichsaid metal conductor is out of electrical contact with at least one ofthe second sockets of said first and second power line connectorswhereby current is adapted to flow along said first current path throughsaid electric meter when the electrical connectors of the electric meterare in said first sockets of the first and second power line connectors,and a meter bypassing position in which said metal conductor of theslide connector is in electrical contact with the second sockets of bothof the first and second power line connectors whereby current is adaptedto flow along a second current path from the power supply line to thepower load line when the electrical connectors of said electric meterare removed from said first sockets of the first and second power lineconnectors.
 2. A socket assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidjaw support is formed as a single sheet of bent metal.
 3. A socketassembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein at least one of said first andsecond flanges has a lower end tab secured in an opening in said base.4. A socket assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein both of said firstand second flanges of the jaw mount have lower end tabs secured inopenings in said base.
 5. A socket assembly as set forth in claim 2wherein said lower end tab has a stake connection with said base.
 6. Asocket assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said web of the jawmount has a generally C-shaped lower region.
 7. A socket assembly as setforth in claim 6 wherein a tab extends down from at least one of saidfirst and second flanges of the jaw mount, said tab being secured in anopening in the jaw support base.
 8. A socket assembly as set forth inclaim 6 wherein lower portions of said first and second flanges arespaced away from said C-shaped lower region of the web.
 9. A socketassembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said first and second flangeshave upper portions and lower portions narrower than said upperportions.
 10. A socket assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidbase has a generally planar first end region disposed below the jawmount, a second end region adapted for connection to said power loadline or to said power supply line, and a middle region connecting thefirst and second end regions.
 11. A socket assembly as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said first and second end regions and said middleregion are flat and generally co-planar.
 12. A socket assembly as setforth in claim 10 wherein said middle region is narrower than said firstand second end regions.
 13. A socket assembly as set forth in claim 1wherein said one-piece structure is a cast metal structure.
 14. A socketassembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the cast metal structurefurther comprises fillets at the junctions of the web and the flanges,said fillets tapering from a relatively smaller size away from the baseto a relatively larger size adjacent the base.
 15. A power lineconnector for use in a socket assembly in a meter box, said power lineconnector comprising: a jaw; a jaw support comprising a base, a jawmount extending up from the base having opposing spaced apart flangeswith lower ends connected to the base, said opposing flanges mountingsaid jaw therebetween for pivotal movement between open and closedpositions, a web spanning and integrally connecting at least a portionof said first and second flanges and integrally connecting the jaw mountto the base, and a contact arm extending upward from the base having aninner contact surface generally opposing the web of the jaw mount; saidbase, jaw mount and contact arm being formed as a one-piece metalstructure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current; abypass system comprising at least one slide connector having a metalconductor mounted for back and forth sliding movement of the conductor;a first socket formed between said jaw and said jaw mount for receivinga mating electrical connector of an electric meter; and a second socketformed between said jaw and said contact arm for receiving the slideconnector of the bypass system mounted in said meter box for back andforth sliding movement along a generally straight line of actiongenerally parallel to the contact arm of the jaw support.
 16. A powerline connector as set forth in claim 15 wherein said jaw support isformed as a single sheet of bent metal.
 17. A power line connector asset forth in claim 16 wherein at least one of said first and secondflanges of the jaw mount has a lower end tab secured in an opening inthe base.
 18. A power line connector as set forth in claim 16 whereinboth of said first and second flanges of the jaw mount have lower endtabs secured in openings in the base.
 19. A power line connector as setforth in claim 17 wherein said lower end tab has a stake connection withthe base.
 20. A power line connector as set forth in claim 16 whereinsaid web of the jaw mount has a generally C-shaped lower region.
 21. Apower line connector as set forth in claim 20 wherein a tab extends downfrom at least one of said first and second flanges of the jaw mount,said tab being secured in an opening in the jaw support base.
 22. Apower line connector as set forth in claim 20 wherein lower portions ofsaid first and second flanges are spaced apart from said C-shaped lowerregion of the web.
 23. A power line connector as set forth in claim 20wherein said first and second flanges have upper portions and lowerportions narrower than said upper portions.
 24. A power line connectoras set forth in claim 16 wherein said base has a generally planar firstend region disposed below the jaw mount, a second end region adapted forconnection to an electric power line, and a middle region connecting thefirst and second end regions.
 25. A power line connector as set forth inclaim 24 wherein said first and second end regions and said middleregion are flat and generally co-planar.
 26. A power line connector asset forth in claim 24 wherein said middle region is narrower than saidfirst and second end regions.
 27. A power line connector as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said one-piece structure is a cast metal structure. 28.A power line connector as set forth in claim 27 wherein the cast metalstructure further comprises fillets at the junctions of the web and theflanges, said fillets tapering from a relatively smaller size away fromthe base to a relatively larger size adjacent the base.